Ultra-Processed Food Intake and its Association With Eating Disorders: A Scoping Review

Ultra-processed foods have been associated with adverse health outcomes, but their relationship with eating disorders remains unclear. This scoping review mapped the available evidence on the association between ultra-processed food intake and eating disorders in adolescents and adults.

Following Joanna Briggs Institute recommendations and PRISMA-ScR guidelines, searches were conducted in PubMed, PsycINFO, and Embase up to March 2026. Eligible studies were original quantitative research assessing ultra-processed food intake, defined by the Nova classification or equivalent descriptions, in relation to eating disorders. Two reviewers independently conducted study selection, data extraction, and methodological appraisal.

Of 930 records identified, seven cross-sectional studies met the inclusion criteria, comprising 47,758 adolescents and adults. Across studies, positive associations were more often reported for nonrestrictive symptoms, including binge eating, bulimic symptoms, night eating, and loss-of-control eating. One study reported that foods consumed during binge-eating episodes were entirely ultra-processed. Findings for restrictive disorders were fewer and less consistent.

Current evidence suggests a possible relationship between ultra-processed food intake and nonrestrictive eating disorder symptoms and presentations. However, the small number of studies, their cross-sectional design, and methodological heterogeneity limit stronger inferences. Longitudinal and experimental studies are needed to clarify mechanisms and inform future interventions.